Hydroboost conversion done!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Indiana
Nice thread. I am interested in putting a hydroboost setup in 1978 F250 4x4. It would be nice if I can see how the lines to & from the hydroboost to the power steering pump are routed so that way I can do the same thing.
New User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?
I'd like to see this as well! Surely someone here has a diagram or pics of the plumbing between the hydroboost, steering pump and gearbox...
I know there are other threads about the HB conversion, but I'd like to see more/better pics and information.
I'd like to see this as well! Surely someone here has a diagram or pics of the plumbing between the hydroboost, steering pump and gearbox...
I know there are other threads about the HB conversion, but I'd like to see more/better pics and information.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
Glad to find this thread, already got the HB out of a 94 F-450 and one of the lines, the pump and other line were junk from a wreck.
Putting this in my 78 CCSB and debating on which pump to go with, I may go pull the entire serpentine system off a newer 460 and get my pump and alternator upgrade in one shot.
Putting this in my 78 CCSB and debating on which pump to go with, I may go pull the entire serpentine system off a newer 460 and get my pump and alternator upgrade in one shot.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
Got my booster installed today. Still need to run the lines and get a different master cylinder. A few things that I ran into were, the factory mount bolt with the star washer had too big of a head/washer to fit in the lowere right mounting hole straight, so I used a one of the 1/2" head Starter mounting bolts as it is the same threads and length with the smaller head and a lock washer. Also in order to put the notch in the booster for the safety tab on the mounting plate (flipping the plate require a new notch 180 deg from old) I was able to use a 1/8" drill bit on my cordless and at about a 20 deg angle and "machined" a new groove, turned out great, I wouldn't dare try this with cheap bits.
While searching for an actual photo of the pluming I found this GREAT write-up/install on Pirate4X4
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.
While searching for an actual photo of the pluming I found this GREAT write-up/install on Pirate4X4
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
So, the hydroboost units from Ford trucks and Chevy Astro vans definitely work.
The pick and pull near me has quite a few Chevy full size trucks and full size vans. I know some of them had hydroboost as well. Has anyone tried to use one of those or are they too different?
The pick and pull near me has quite a few Chevy full size trucks and full size vans. I know some of them had hydroboost as well. Has anyone tried to use one of those or are they too different?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
I'm not sure of the mounting pattern, MC mounting or pushrod length on the GM unit. However I do know that the GM units use Metric threads for the fittings so either way you would have to adapt that.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
So, the hydroboost units from Ford trucks and Chevy Astro vans definitely work.
The pick and pull near me has quite a few Chevy full size trucks and full size vans. I know some of them had hydroboost as well. Has anyone tried to use one of those or are they too different?
The pick and pull near me has quite a few Chevy full size trucks and full size vans. I know some of them had hydroboost as well. Has anyone tried to use one of those or are they too different?
I also had to shorten the pedal rod 3/4 of an inch.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
Got my booster installed today. Still need to run the lines and get a different master cylinder. A few things that I ran into were, the factory mount bolt with the star washer had too big of a head/washer to fit in the lowere right mounting hole straight, so I used a one of the 1/2" head Starter mounting bolts as it is the same threads and length with the smaller head and a lock washer. Also in order to put the notch in the booster for the safety tab on the mounting plate (flipping the plate require a new notch 180 deg from old) I was able to use a 1/8" drill bit on my cordless and at about a 20 deg angle and "machined" a new groove, turned out great, I wouldn't dare try this with cheap bits.
While searching for an actual photo of the pluming I found this GREAT write-up/install on Pirate4X4
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.
While searching for an actual photo of the pluming I found this GREAT write-up/install on Pirate4X4
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 7
From: Shelton, Wa
EP145
Since you went with the GM Booster you can get the Saginaw pump and mount off a Ford van with the 351W and use a GM line from the pump to Booster as it will have the correct fittings on both ends. This will leave you to deal with the fitting difference between the booster and your steering box but it's a start and the Saginaw was a good upgrade on mine.
Since you went with the GM Booster you can get the Saginaw pump and mount off a Ford van with the 351W and use a GM line from the pump to Booster as it will have the correct fittings on both ends. This will leave you to deal with the fitting difference between the booster and your steering box but it's a start and the Saginaw was a good upgrade on mine.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Phoenix, AZ
EP145
Since you went with the GM Booster you can get the Saginaw pump and mount off a Ford van with the 351W and use a GM line from the pump to Booster as it will have the correct fittings on both ends. This will leave you to deal with the fitting difference between the booster and your steering box but it's a start and the Saginaw was a good upgrade on mine.
Since you went with the GM Booster you can get the Saginaw pump and mount off a Ford van with the 351W and use a GM line from the pump to Booster as it will have the correct fittings on both ends. This will leave you to deal with the fitting difference between the booster and your steering box but it's a start and the Saginaw was a good upgrade on mine.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
2000 excursion
This is a great thread, with lots of good information. I am putting Hydroboost in my 73 F250 4x4. I put a axle from a 77 crew cab with dual piston calipers in my truck to get rid of the front drums. The vacuum system stops me, but does not lock up the tires if needed. I was wondering if a Hydroboost system from a 2000 Excursion diesel would work? I could get a good deal from a coworker who bought back his wrecked Excursion, and he is parting it out. I was wondering if anyone has looked into using these parts. Would the holes be a little off like the F series trucks for this year? I will also be getting the pedal system if it will work. Any information would be great.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Way late reply, but the expedition ones are the same as the Superduty ones of the same vintage. I have the hysroboost unit from a 2001 superdookie in my '74 crew cab project, but the project is a long term one that isn't running yet and therefore I can't personally couch for anything other than it can be made to fit. Pretty sure other guys have used these with no problems though.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 5
Hydroboost Question
Thanks for all of the helpful info in your hydroboost post. There are some differences between my truck and yours, so I have a few questions. It sounds like you at least had power brakes and front discs from the factory. I have manual drums on all 4 corners on my '63. Will the super duty hydroboost set up work with the super duty master cylinder? I do not plan on using a proportioning valve....just an adjustable Wilwood pressure reducer going to the rear brakes and full pressure running to the fronts.
Thanks
Thanks